Abstract:
Mobile technology presents significant opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance
operational efficiency, expand market reach, and improve customer engagement. However, many MSMEs, particularly in developing
regions such as Uganda, face significant challenges in designing, developing, and implementing mobile applications that reflect real
user needs and business realities. This study sought to create a model for guiding user centric development of mobile applications for
MSMEs in the context of Uganda. Proposed model constructs were identified through an extensive review of literature covering
technology adoption, software development models, and mobile application development in developing countries, focusing on
successes, failures, and challenges. In addition, a qualitative exploratory study (n=30) aided in confirmation of the constructs
identified from literature, as well as adding new constructs. A total of nineteen constructs were identified and categorized into four
phases of mobile application development: conceptualization, design, development, and implementation. The model was formulated
and validated statistically, guided by the Partial Least Squares Structured Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The outcome showed that
twelve factors significantly influenced the user centric conceptualization, design, development, and implementation of mobile
applications in MSMEs. The factors include: Conceptualization (Stakeholder input, functional features), Design (Task-Fit, Interface
Consistency, Compliance and Design Flexibility), Development (Quality Assurance, Intuitiveness, Cross-Platform capability and User
feedback), and implementation (User Training and Updates)
